Austin ISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen's contract is extended by one more year following a 7–2 vote at the Oct. 22 meeting of the AISD board of trustees.

Trustee Robert Schneider asked to remove the question of extending the contract from the meeting's consent agenda for consideration, and after a brief discussion the board passed the extension of the contract. Schneider and Trustee Annette LoVoi voted against the extension.

Board members weighed in after evaluating Carstarphen's performance as part of her annual review. The evaluation focused on her impact on student performance in the district, and board President Mark Williams noted Carstarphen has shown courage in the face of challenges including budget cuts.

"On an overall basis, the board is pleased with the progress made by the district under Dr. Carstarphen's leadership during the past year and continues to believe that she is the right person to lead Austin ISD," Williams said.

Some citizens urge extending contract, others ask for delays

During citizens communication, some stepped forward to voice their support for lengthening Carstarphen's contract, while others urged the board to remove it from the agenda.

Resident Larry Amaro supported the extension and cited the superintendent's accomplishments including improved student scores, attendance and enrollment.

Drew Scheberle, Austin Chamber of Commerce senior vice president of education and talent development, said the organization also supports renewing Carstarphen's contract.

"We're confident because you have one of the best superintendents in the country," he said.

Others, including Lorie Barzano, co-chairwoman of the Coalition to Strengthen Austin Urban Schools, said it should be left up to the incoming board.

"As a parent and voter, I find it appalling the board would approve another extension of the superintendent's contract now," she said. "An outgoing board should not encumber an incoming board with a contractual obligation that extends beyond its current tenure."

Citizen Mike Corwin questioned the influence of the chamber of commerce in the decision.

"On the eve of this election, when we know for a fact that one way or another change is coming to the dais, it does not make sense to extend this contract," he said.

Board discusses, moves to extend contract

In the board's discussion, Schneider pointed out the length of the superintendent's existing contract.

"I'm not quite sure why we're extending a contract that already has 18 months on it, and to me that's a very valid question in terms of just the fiscal responsibility of doing so, and the position it puts the board in, whether it's this board or another board," he said.

LoVoi said she also thought the decision should be left up to the new board.

Trustee Sam Guzman said there were speakers at the meeting who urged the board to move ahead with the vote, and their voices should also be considered. With the board's decision, Carstarphen's contract will be extended to June 30, 2015.